Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Elisabeth Martin Joins Lurie Children's Heart Center

Pediatric cardiothoracic surgical expert Elisabeth Martin, MD, MPH, was appointed Director of the Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Program and Surgical Outcomes Research at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago in August 2025. She is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She will hold the A. C. Buehler Professorship in Surgery.

Dr. Martin joins Lurie Children's from Stanford Medicine Children's Health, where she served as Surgical Director of the Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction (PAR) Program at the Betty Irene Moore Children's Heart Center. The focus of her work has been the rare condition of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals, a complex and rare heart defect that affects how blood flows from the heart to the lungs. Dr. Martin’s experience with this condition will benefit many complex patient situations.

In addition, Dr. Martin is an accomplished congenital heart surgeon with expertise in neonatal surgery, pediatric heart and lung transplantation and adult congenital heart disease. Her work reflects a deep commitment to surgical excellence, innovation and comprehensive lifelong care for patients with complex congenital heart disease.

"Dr. Martin adds another layer of proficiency to the broader Heart Center team,” said Dr. David Winlaw, Division Head of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery at Lurie Children’s. “Dr. Martin’s unparalleled expertise in complex cardiac care strengthens our nationally ranked Heart Center. We are thrilled to welcome her to Lurie Children’s.”

A native of Quebec, Canada, Dr. Martin received her medical degree from McGill University and her Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University. She completed her cardiac surgery residency at Laval University and her pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. She pursued further specialized pediatric cardiac surgery training under renowned surgeon Dr. Frank L. Hanley at Stanford Medicine Children's Health, where she mastered complex pulmonary artery reconstruction and focused on innovative surgical techniques.

"I'm honored to join the outstanding team at Lurie Children's Heart Center," Dr. Martin said. "I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional cardiology and cardiac surgery specialists to advance care for children with complex congenital heart disease and to continue developing innovative surgical approaches that can transform these young patients' lives."

Lurie Children’s Heart Center provides comprehensive care to patients with the most complex and serious heart conditions, performing over 450 cardiac surgeries annually and conducting more than 20,000 outpatient cardiology visits.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children’s resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.